Alex had provided his largest, most comfortable carriage. May was making a good recovery, but she was still delicate, and a short time in luxurious surroundings and with wholesome food would do her the world of good.
Early the next morning, an excited party clambered into the coach, eager to be on their way.
The sound of a carriage coming up the driveway had Alex striding towards the front door, and the staff gathering to welcome the guests.
Millie was first out, turning round and round, her eyes wide with wonder.
‘Welcome to my home.’ Alex watched her, his mouth turning up in amusement.
She spun to face him. ‘Crumbs, is this all yours?’
‘It is. Do you like it?’
‘It’s huge!’ She eyed him carefully. ‘You sure you ain’t a lord?’
‘Quite sure.’
‘Hello, sir.’ Fred joined them. ‘Thanks for having us. This is some place you’ve got here. Ain’t it smashing, Millie?’
‘I’m glad you like it.’ Alex stepped forward to greet the others now emerging from the carriage, reaching out to take the little girl from David. She was fast asleep.
‘The excitement and the journey was too much for her.’
‘We’ll get her straight to bed, I think. How was your journey, Mrs James?’
‘Oh, lovely, sir. We saw lots of sheep and other animals in the fields as we went by. May was so excited, she wore herself out.’
David smiled at Alex. ‘You’re going to have a lively time with all of us as guests. Fred and Millie are going to want to see every inch of the place.’
‘And I shall be pleased to show them. It’s time this house was filled with laughter again.’
May opened her eyes and pointed at a large tree. ‘Rats!’
‘No, May, that’s a squirrel,’ Alex told her gently, delighted to hear her speak so clearly.
‘Not rats?’ she asked, swivelling around in his arms so she could see the little things scampering along the branches. Then she yawned. ‘Not rats. Never seen red rats.’
‘Inside everyone,’ Alex urged. ‘Cook has a meal ready for you.’
There was a stunned silence once they were inside. The hall was very spacious and had a warm fire burning at the far end. The walls were papered in pale gold, and hung with paintings of the house and grounds. There was also a large oak hallstand just inside the door, gleaming with years of polishing, and a set of six chairs along the walls.
Fred was already running his hands over one piece of furniture after another, and his deep sigh of appreciation could be clearly heard.
‘Mrs Green and Maude will show you to your rooms. Come down in an hour. The dining room is the door on the right.’ He opened it to show them.
May’s mother looked worried. ‘Do we have to dress posh, sir? I ain’t got nothing like that to wear.’
‘You must do exactly as you would at home, Mrs James.’
‘Oh, that’s a relief.’
‘Give me the little girl, sir.’ The housekeeper was anxious to get the guests settled.
‘Here’s a chair on wheels for her,’ David said, as a maid wheeled it in.
‘That can stay here.’ The housekeeper smiled tenderly at May. ‘She’s as light as a feather. We’re going to have to feed you up, aren’t we, young lady?’
‘Custard,’ May told her at the mention of food. ‘Like custard.’
‘Do you now? In that case I’ll ask Cook to make you some.’ The housekeeper glanced at Mrs James. ‘If you’ll come with me, madam, I’ll take you to your room. Maude, show the young lady and gentleman to their rooms.’
They all looked shocked and amused at being addressed in such a way, and it was too much for Millie. She giggled. ‘Blimey, Fred, bet you didn’t know you was a gentleman.’
‘And you sure ain’t no lady.’
They were all laughing as they made their way up the sweeping staircase. Even May’s mother was more relaxed.
As they disappeared, Alex slapped David on the back. ‘I expect you could do with a drink. Did you bring a dress suit with you?’
He followed Alex into the library. ‘Yes.’
‘Good. I’ve had an invitation to dine with the Chesters tomorrow, and you can join me. The invitation includes a guest, as well.’
‘The Chesters?’ David took the glass of whisky from him. ‘Do you mean Lord and Lady Chester?’
Alex nodded, sipping his drink before he sat down. ‘They have a house a short drive from here. Have you met them?’
‘We did some business for Lord Chester once. He dabbled in shipping for a while, but he soon gave it up. He said it wasn’t for him.’ David frowned. ‘Are you sure it will be all right for me to attend? I’m not exactly in their class, and they might object.’
‘Don’t put yourself down. You’re as good, and better, than many I know. And you’re not only my agent, but a friend as well. And –’ he paused, giving a wry smile ‘– they have made it clear they would welcome me as a son-in-law, so I don’t think they will snub my choice of guest.’
‘Ah, what’s the daughter like?’
‘Attractive, charming, and an obedient girl.’
‘Sounds like she’d make a perfect wife.’
‘Hmm,’ was all Alex said.
The door opened a crack and Millie peered in. ‘Can we come in? There’s someone who wants to see you.’
Alex nodded, the door opened wide and Fred wheeled May in, followed by Mrs James and Johnny.
The young boy couldn’t contain himself as he rushed up to Alex. ‘I got this huge room – all to myself. Blimey, Lord, you could get my whole street in it!’
‘A slight exaggeration, I think. Do you mind being on your own?’
‘Nah.’ Johnny shook his head. ‘It’ll be nice, and Fred’s next door. He said I can go in with him if I gets lonely. But I won’t.’
‘Good.’ Alex turned his attention to May, who was staring round the room in wonder.
Mrs James knelt by her daughter, and said, ‘May wants to show you what she can do now, sir.’
He waited as the little girl was helped out of the chair. Her mother held her upright, then whispered, ‘Walk to the kind man, May.’
Alex crouched down and held out his hand. ‘Come on, sweetheart.’
Fixing her gaze on Alex, May pushed her mother’s hands away. She took a step forward, then another. There was no sign of the earlier difficulty. Although her steps were hesitant, she held herself straight, and her walk was normal.
‘Good girl,’ he encouraged gently. ‘Just one more step.’
Little hands reached out and he caught hold of her, surging to his feet and swinging her high. She squealed with delight when everyone in the room began clapping.
‘Good?’ she asked.
‘Very, very good,’ he told her. ‘You’ll be running around in no time at all.’
‘Hungry now.’
‘Then we’d better eat.’ He turned to the butler, who was standing just inside the door. ‘Has Cook made the custard for May?’
‘Yes, sir, and there’s a splendid apple pie to go with it.’
‘Ooh.’ May struggled to get down. ‘Walk.’
With David one side of her and Alex the other, May gripped their hands as they made their way to the dining room.
It was a lively meal and the servants had difficulty keeping their expressions neutral. But when they turned their backs it was obvious they were laughing. Johnny couldn’t understand why he had so many knives and forks. Millie wanted to know what everything on the table was for, not at all subdued by the grand surroundings, and Fred was trying his utmost to make everyone behave themselves.
The servants enjoyed themselves immensely, answering the neverending questions, and instructing the guests how to use various pieces of cutlery.
By the time May had ended her meal with the promised custard, they were all having trouble keeping awake, even Millie.
The two men were soon left alone to enjoy a quiet drink.
And they used the time to discuss shipping business, doubting they’d have another chance during the next few days.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The next morning it was only just getting light when Alex saw Fred wandering in the garden. He joined him. ‘Good morning, Fred. Did you sleep well?’
‘Morning, sir. Slept like a log in that lovely comfortable bed. It’s so quiet here; didn’t hear a sound until the birds woke me.’
‘Does it fit your dream of living in the country?’
‘Oh yes. Makes me even more determined.’ He swept his arm out to encompass the open space. ‘Me and Millie won’t be able to have anything like this, of course, but a small place somewhere quiet will do nicely.’
‘You intend to marry Millie?’
‘’Course. We’ve always been together, and don’t want it no other way. Got to save up first, ’cos I ain’t having my Millie slaving like our mums. No one should have to live like that. The people in streets like ours gets old before their time, and it ain’t right. Most rich people don’t care, and try to pretend we don’t exist.’ He glanced up at Alex. ‘’Cept you, but you’re a rare gent.’
This was the longest speech he’d ever heard from the young boy, and Alex was impressed by his thoughtful intelligence. ‘I agree that more should be done for the poor. What do you think the answer is?’
‘Now you’re asking.’ He blew out a sharp breath. ‘There ain’t no quick answer. Education would be a big start. And those running the country need to be shown what it’s really like living in the slums, often not knowing where the next meal’s coming from, or if they’re gonna be turned out on the street because they can’t find the rent. I’ll bet many haven’t been further than Knightsbridge.’
‘True.’ Alex nodded, oblivious to the cold as they talked. ‘So, apart from a good education for all, what else would you suggest?’
‘Well, you could go into parliament. You’ve seen for yourself how we live, and you care enough to want to help. There ain’t many of your class who feel like that. And you’re big and tough enough to knock some sense into their heads.’
They were both laughing now as Alex shook his head. ‘No, I think you’re the one who should be in parliament.’
He snorted in amusement. ‘What chance would I have?’
‘Tell you what, Fred, I’ll make you a promise. When you’re twenty-five and think you might like a political career, come to me. I’ll back you for election and see you damned well win.’
‘That’s some promise.’ Fred eyed him intently. ‘You serious?’
‘Yes, and I never break my promises.’
‘Then you got a deal.’ He held out his hand. ‘I might well keep you to that.’
‘I hope you do. If there are going to be sweeping social reforms in the future then people like you need to make your voices heard.’ He was determined to keep an eye on this bright, thoughtful boy. Given the chance, there was no telling what he could accomplish.
‘Let’s get some breakfast, shall we? Then I’ll order the carriage and we’ll make a tour of the estate.’
Falling into step beside Alex, he said, ‘Carriage? How big is this place?’
‘More than the eye can see.’
‘Crumbs!’
‘What a day.’ David slumped in a chair and closed his eyes.
‘Don’t get too comfortable,’ Alex warned. ‘We’re expected at the Chesters’ house by eight.’
Pulling himself upright, he grimaced. Alex didn’t look as if he’d done a thing all day as he stood by the fireplace, resplendent in evening clothes. ‘Where do you get your energy? We’ve been over every inch of the house and estate. There’s been a constant stream of questions from the youngsters, and I swear as soon as May’s fully recovered she’ll have to be put on a lead.’
‘Come on.’ Alex pulled him out of the chair. ‘The carriage is here.’
Groaning, David stood up and rubbed his backside. ‘I shouldn’t have ridden the horse. I might have to stand all evening.’
‘True.’ A deep chuckle echoed from Alex. ‘You’d never make a cavalry soldier.’
The library door opened and the butler entered. ‘You mustn’t be late for your dinner engagement, sir.’
‘We’re on our way, Hunt.’
As soon as they entered the Chesters’ house, David could see the anticipation in their eyes as they greeted Alex. Oh yes, they were definitely hoping to welcome him into their family. But he also saw genuine respect there, as well.
David was greeted warmly and he relaxed. The evening could be interesting after all. He couldn’t wait to see the daughter.
They were escorted to the sitting room to meet the other guests. It was to be a select dinner party of only eight. There was a young girl standing with her mother, and when David looked at her he felt as if a horse had kicked him. She had the bluest eyes he’d ever seen, her hair shone like gold …
‘This is our daughter, Miriam.’ He heard the father’s voice as if it came from a distance. ‘My dear, this is Mr Gardener. He’s Alexander’s agent and friend.’
‘I’m pleased to meet you, Mr Gardener. My father mentioned he had met you when he dabbled in shipping for a while.’
With an effort, David managed to respond. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, and yes, I remember helping your father.’
The rest of the evening was a blur. He joined in the conversation, talking politely to his dinner companions, but it was obvious Miriam Chester was interested in only one person – Alex.
Dismay was like a heavy weight on him. He’d never believed in love at first sight, but it had just happened to him. And he’d damned well better get over it. This girl was way out of his class. And how could Alex resist such a charming girl?
And there was another reason to make him feel sad. He’d known Alex would be looking for a wife, and deep down he’d hoped Gertie would have the sense to accept him. But she hadn’t, and it was clear he’d now given up on her, and found a girl he would probably marry.
He groaned inwardly. What a couple of fools we are.
It was a relief when they were back in the library at Alex’s house.
‘Want a drink, David?’
‘Thanks.’ He loosened his collar and sat down. ‘An interesting evening; the daughter is charming.’
‘Indeed.’ Alex handed him a large brandy.
‘Have you known her long?’
‘A while. Did you enjoy the evening?’
‘Yes, they made me welcome.’
The door opened then and Fred came in carrying an armful of books. ‘Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you were back. Hope you don’t mind, sir, but me and Millie have been reading your books.’
‘That’s what they’re for.’ Alex beckoned him in. ‘What have you been reading?’
‘Anything. We’ve just been taking the books off the shelves as they come. You’ve got all kinds of subjects here, and we learn something from everything we read. If we’re gonna get out of the slums then we’ve got to know as much as possible. It’s gonna be the only way. They chucked us both out of school at thirteen, you know.’ He pulled a face. ‘We didn’t want to go, but they seemed to think we knew enough. Daft, of course. No one ever knows enough.’
They watched as the youngster put each book back in place, handling them with all reverence. When he’d finished he stood in the middle of the room, gazing at the books reaching from floor to ceiling. ‘Miss would love this room. Has she got a library like this in her house, Mr Gardener?’
‘Nothing like this.’
‘Pity. You’d never get her out of here. Loves her books, she does.’
‘She learnt to read at a very early age, and books have been her delight ever since,’ David explained. ‘She was so pleased with the one you and Millie gave her.’
‘She came to the workshop to thank me. We’re glad it gave her pleasure. It helps to know someone’s thinking of you when times get rough. Night, sir. Night, Mr Gardener.’
‘Goodnight, Fred
.’
They watched him walk out and close the door quietly behind him. Both men sat in silence as they finished their drinks.
After a while David said, ‘Those two youngsters have the most amazing outlook on life. There’s a well of kindness in them that puts me to shame, and yet their own lives have been ones of deprivation and hardship.’
‘That’s why they understand others’ suffering. And Fred’s a special boy. He’s going far in life.’
‘If he gets a chance, Alex.’
‘I’ll see he does.’
Chapter Twenty-Six
The weeks were slipping by, and although Florence was conscious, there was no further improvement in her condition.
Gertrude gazed out of the window at the rain. It was a deluge. Two weeks into February and it seemed to have been raining since the beginning of the month. To add to the depression, no more letters had been received from Edward. Her mother asked every day, and every day was disappointed. She could lie and pretend they’d heard from him, but that wouldn’t be fair, and could lead to complications. If her mother believed Edward was contacting them regularly she might begin to question why he wasn’t visiting her when she was so ill. She couldn’t tell her he was in the army and miles away fighting a war. The doctor had warned them not to do or say anything that might make Florence become agitated, and if she knew where her son was she’d be frantic with worry.
Running a hand over her eyes, Gertrude stifled a sigh. The sleepless nights and continual worry were taking a toll on her health, and she didn’t feel at all well this morning. She was weary beyond anything she had ever experienced before, and full of doubts. After long discussions with her father, they had decided to keep the news of where Edward was from her mother, but were they right to do so?
‘Gertie, I’ve brought someone to see you.’
She spun round; surprised someone had entered the room without her hearing them. ‘David, how … Millie! Don’t you look smart, and it’s lovely to see you again.’
Hold on to your Dreams Page 18